Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
George's birthday brings treats and laughs for all.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The man with the yellow hat tells George, "Today is a special day." The man has lots to do to prepare a surprise, and he asks George to stay out of trouble. George tries to obey, remaining quiet indoors even when the ice cream truck arrives and all the kids and dogs in the neighborhood line up to get their treats. But, before long, George forgets to stifle his curiosity. He digs into the colorful party supplies that he finds in the living room -- colored tissue and streamers, balloons, hats -- and decorates the walls and furniture with patterns and pictures of jungle creatures. Then he smells something good and finds an unfrosted cake in the kitchen. George decides to make frosting and decorate the cake, but he loses control of the mixer and sends frosting all over the kitchen. He solves this problem by inviting all the neighborhood dogs in to lick up the mess. Then the man with the yellow hat returns home to reveal that the surprise is a party for George's birthday!
Is It Any Good?
CURIOUS GEORGE AND THE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE is a sweet, funny story full of things kids love: party decorations, presents, and a beautiful birthday cake. Children will have fun playing along with George's clueless-enough-to-be-funny detective work. As always, the charming illustrations and George's crazy-but-innocent antics bring a lot of fun and laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about surprises. Did you ever get a wonderful surprise from your family or friends? What was it?
What's your favorite Curious George book?
What are the decorations on George's birthday cake at the end of the book? Draw a picture of what you would like your birthday cake to look like.
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Martha Weston
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication date : September 22, 2003
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 24
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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